Victor Wembanyama entered the postseason carrying the image of the NBA’s next squeaky-clean superstar. His reputation is far from ruined, but a series of controversial actions has triggered many, including analyst Chris Broussard, to reconsider their early perception of him.
Chris Broussard Reveals Why Victor Wembanyama’s Approval Rating Is Suddenly Slipping
Wembanyama had three flagrant foul points in this postseason, and one more penalty could have triggered an automatic one-game suspension. However, the Knicks won the series in Game 5, and Wembanyama avoided that misfortune.
Meanwhile, Broussard was one of many to take notice of Wembanyama’s postseason behavior.
“He’s not as likable as everybody thought,” Broussard said on the “First Things First” show on Monday. “I still like him. There was a point where everybody was like, ‘I love this guy. He got the killer instinct.’ And obviously the elbow. I mean, it’s not just the finals, but the elbows, too. Yeah, I mean, some of it, you know, smooshing (Jalen) Brunson.
“That was a little surprising to me because his approval rating, if you will, seems to be so high. But really his weaknesses were exposed and I’ve said he’s about 70% of the player. He will be or could be and that 30% is what the Knicks capitalized on his strength obvious. But he’s got to get stronger.”
“He’s not as likable as everybody thought. Now, I still like him!… That was a little surprising to me because his approval rating seemed to be so high.”@Chris_Broussard explains what he learned about Wemby in the Finals: pic.twitter.com/UhzclE0oze
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) June 15, 2026
Wembanyama was ejected for the first time in his career during Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After grabbing an offensive rebound, he spun while battling Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid, swinging a trailing elbow that struck Reid in the jaw.
The criticism intensified during Game 3 of the NBA Finals when Wembanyama delivered a hard shove to Jalen Brunson. Many believed the play deserved a retroactive flagrant foul, but the NBA chose not to issue any additional discipline. The incident drew significant backlash against Wembanyama, but he found support from Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.
“Keep doing it, Wemby,” Shaq said. “Tell Brunson to get your little a** out of the way.”
Wembanyama was again at the center of controversy just one game later. While defending Karl-Anthony Towns in the third quarter, he caught Towns on the chin with an elbow and was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul.
Wembanyama also committed another highly controversial play in Game 5, as he committed a dangerous landing-zone violation on a Brunson three-pointer that many argued should have been called a flagrant foul. If it had been called on the floor or upgraded, he would have faced a suspension if a Game 6 occurred.
Wembanyama is very competitive-minded; as he earlier said, he plays like his life depends on it. That is why he might still be trying to adjust to the pressures of playing these big games.
Meanwhile, there was also discussion surrounding Wembanyama’s decision not to exchange postgame congratulations with the Knicks after they secured the championship, as he appears comfortable embracing a “villain” role. However, several figures around the league, including former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins, praised him for showing a competitive edge rather than playing it safe.
